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Once you feel the freedom of the waist band free winter bib, it’s hard to go back to traditional ski pants. Here are our picks for the best women's ski and snowboard bibs of the season.
Well-made women’s-specific ski bibs haven’t always been available. In 2016, Flylow’s groundbreaking and wildly popular bib was a huge seller. The design is high-chested and technical. It topped the brand’s direct sales of all products immediately after launch. And the snowboard brand Airblaster, founded nearly two decades ago, has long been known for producing apparel and outerwear with great drop seats, so relieving oneself is easier than ever — despite all those layers.
Today, the demand for women’s ski and snowboard bibs remains strong. They’re not just convenient; they’re also functional, comfy, and capable. Clever rear access, a multitude of pockets, better coverage for pow days, and easy layering — these are just a few benefits of these best women’s ski bibs.
And while some bibs are stylistically more branded toward either skiers or snowboarders, nearly all of our top picks work well with narrow ski boots or wider-topped snowboard boots (unless otherwise noted). Though, some bibs operate better in the backcountry compared to resort-tailored pants.
To learn more about bib designs and selection, scroll to the bottom of the page to read our FAQ and buyer’s guide. Still weighing your options? Consult our comparison chart to see how every bib stacks up on the slopes. Otherwise, take a look at our awarded picks or scroll through all of the options below:
The women’s Foxy Bib by Flylow ($430) is the OG. You can’t go wrong here. These high-chested, streamlined bibs are downright flattering.
Many of our female staff and gear testers have worn these stellar bibs in all conditions. And while we beam about the technical features for backcountry ski endeavors, the compliments we get on these bibs are almost as good as how well they move with us when we rip in them.
They are functional across sizes. One of our testers is 5’9″ and wears a size large while others are shorter and wear a size medium or small.
You’ll also love the long thigh vents so you don’t overheat and a roomy kangaroo pocket for easy access to snacks (practically at your chin). They have a side zipper and stretch that lets the bottom drop easily when nature calls.
Beware here — and with any bib, really — of the midsection fit. Check out the reviews on the Foxy. Most are positive, with some women scouring the country to find a pair of these popular pants. But a few mention the sizing chart being off from, say, fitting for their jeans. But remember, just like finding your favorite pair of jeans, each brand’s sizing run varies.
With a long legacy behind them, the folks at Flylow have had some time to perfect the Foxy Bib, and they easily land as the best overall in our review.
You can’t go wrong with the more affordable price point and workwear look of these women’s coveralls by The North Face. The Freedom Bibs ($199) are tailored in the right places, but it still has some utilitarian inner-thigh vents that complement this feminine look.
These waterproof, high-cut women’s ski pants have only two layers. Unlike many of the premium three-layer outerwear constructions above, these bibs won’t excel in the wet and wild climes of the coastal regions, but they hold their own in drier climates and for those who won’t be out as long.
Overall, the Freedom Bibs are a solid, stylish option for testing a new foray into the world of women’s bibs, especially for those who stick to resort and dabble in a bit of side-country skiing.
Skinning and skiing is a dream in these bibs. New for 2023, the Helly Hansen Verglas Backcountry Ski Bib Pants ($325) are some of the most comfortable bibs or ski pants we’ve ever worn. They’re not restrictive at all and make bending, moving, stepping and jumping feel effortless.
The 3-layer construction strikes the balance between waterproof, breathable, and best yet, quiet. Zippers on both sides help effectively vent heat when you’re powering up a skin track, or, when the sun’s shining brightly at the resort. The interior cuffs are reinforced with 1000-denier densely woven fabric.
Inside, the shell’s backing material is made of recycled fabric. The exterior is treated with a PFC-free DWR to help moisture bead plus the seams are fully sealed.
We enjoyed that this bib hits lower on our chests. It’s not restrictive and also breathable while touring with a backpack on top. The design incorporates 2-way stretch, furthering our range of movement, and a drop seat. The removable suspenders help to fully utilize the right side zipper, in order to max out the full range of the open drop seat.
It’s a challenge to come up with many cons for these pants but we do wish they had more pockets — there is one small zippered pocket on the left thigh and one small zipped pocket on the front chest. Though, for a relatively affordable bib that shines in and out of bounds, we’re willing to look past the slight flaw.
The Outdoor Research’s Carbide Bib ($299) won us over as soon as we tried it on. It fit well, felt lightweight yet kept us warm on a few sub-10-degree days, and works great for both resort and backcountry skiing.
Aside from the design, the Carbide bibs are made with a three-layer, waterproof-breathable Pertex Shield shell nylon fabric. These bibs also feature a 40-denier tricot knit backer and tough 420-denier scuff guards. Because there’s no insulation, these pants might not be the best for resort rippers that run cold.
The straps and buckles lay flat and are easy to adjust. The bib has a dedicated beacon pocket with a clip, a large top stash pocket on the chest, and internal gaiters with PowerStrap slots.
For backcountry travelers, the Carbide bib has zippered venting on both sides and a full-length zipper on the right side of the bib for easy bathroom access. It also has two side-access thigh pockets. We really loved the placement of the venting and its ability to adapt to different conditions on the mountain.
Introducing the brand’s first-ever women’s bib, Ortovox launched the 3L Deep Shell Bib Pants ($650), which quickly became one of our favorite technical bibs for backcountry missions as well as days, especially powder-flying ones, at the resort. The price is steeper than most other options on our list, but the garment’s quality and ease of movement deliver. And we are only starting to see wear and tear on these bibs after several seasons with snowmobile wrestling, trailer maintenance, and backcountry skiing.
Despite us wearing these bibs while loading and driving snowmobiles and ski mountaineering, they have yet to show any wear. Ortovox prioritizes sustainable design, from PFC-free to certified climate neutral, ensuring a lower footprint on the planet.
In wet or blizzard conditions and on powder days, the 100% windproof and 20,000mm waterproof fabric is a barricade against the elements. Based in Germany, Ortovox has specialized in manufacturing high-end wool-based apparel for alpinists since 1988. Each product integrates Swiss wool from the Swiss Alps or Tasmanian merino wool, providing warmth and odor management. With natural fibers, these bibs breathe.
The merino wool featured in these bibs added warmth against biting wind, especially while sweating on the skin track, yet breathability to dump heat on ascents. There are generous vents on each leg, too.
On the ski lift during bell-to-bell snowstorms, the material didn’t get soaked. We were able to spend back-to-back full days outside in the snow during a 100-inch week — shoveling, snowmobiling, and splitboarding or skiing — without the bibs getting soggy.
To protect the hems, a generous Dyneema-CORDURA fabric wraps around each ankle area and reaches 11 inches high on the interior side, keeping the pants from getting ripped during kick turns on the skin track or while booting with crampons on.
We love the deep, wide pockets — two on the thighs, on the hip, and across the chest — that can fit our large phone or a backcountry field book and the strong, easy-to-glide, waterproof zippers.
With double-sided, extended zipper access, the drop seat is unique. The long, two-way zippers on each side are set slightly back for ease of opening the drop seat from the left or right. The zipper reaches from the upper half of the back all the way to above the knee, making a huge section of fabric easy to grab and pull to the side.
Read more about the bibs in our full review.
Within today’s lineup of Airblaster snowboard bibs, the women’s Sassy Hot Bib ($300) is a step up in weather protection and overall technical features, making it one of our favorite options for riding at the resort in any and all weather conditions, especially in a climate like the erratic high-altitude Rockies. While these are a beloved bib among riders, they’re equally a great choice for skiers, too.
The bibs have a super high level of waterproofing compared to many others, sitting at 30,000 mm of waterproofing plus 20,000 g/m breathability. Furthermore, the two-layer Eco-Vortex fabric is treated with a PFC-free DWR to help moisture bead off the surface. The fabric feels smooth and substantial despite having no insulation.
The drop seat on these bibs is unique in that it wraps nearly entirely around. The zipper goes 350 degrees and functions seamlessly — we’ve never had it get hung up on the interior liner or jam. A storm flap also covers the zipper, which adds style points. So svelte.
While these fashion-forward bibs are well-designed with excellent attention to detail and materials, they don’t cost as much as outerwear that’s more technical and backcountry-focused. We recommend another backcountry-specific bib if you’re worried about dumping heat on the skin track.
Read more about the bibs in our full review.
Hot pants, meet ski pants. The Halfdays Isabel Soft Shell Bib Pant ($345) is for the woman who doesn’t want to compromise style while on the slopes.
The bib’s super stretchy fabric fits like a glove. A slim fit accentuates legs and curves in a way that baggier, more athletic-fitting pants simply can’t, without compromising performance. The Isabel Soft Shell Bib is a standout option for ripping groomers or sipping hot chocolate at the mid-mountain chalet, and stylish enough for a martini (or two) during apres. A single zipper down the front adds flair.
Halfdays brand is a new women-owned business on the ski scene. Its founders say they like spending time outdoors, but don’t love ill-fitting apparel or the pressure that comes with a “hardcore” culture. So a team of women — Olympian Kiley McKinnon (who competed wearing men’s ski wear), product designers, and fashionable leaders — crafted gear aiming to balance technical with chic.
Fleece insulation keeps your legs toasty — great for a chilly day inbounds but not a good fit for sweaty backcountry adventures. These aren’t the most technical pants or fabric, so be choosy if you’re skiing in wet conditions. But for the snow athlete that wants to look as good as she skis, the Isabel Soft Shell Bib is the way to go.
While our editors appreciated the extra protection up top, not all women are sold on a chest-high bib like the Chariot. Some prefer a lower-profile suspender pant that still hits well above the belly.
Stio’s Environ Bib ($459) is a great choice for this cut. The athletic bib designed for women still lets you drop trou, just without the big zip in the back. Instead, side zips provide adequate access, and the straps are easily adjustable.
Stio makes this mini-bib ski pant with high-end waterproof-breathable materials throughout. Tough CORDURA kick patches ensure your leg cuffs won’t fray too soon, and there are conveniently placed pockets (though, we’d like to see some more). Plus, articulated knees mean you can actually move in these bottoms.
Trew completely overhauled the original Chariot ($439) with insight from a new lead female designer, Brittany Crook. She clearly knows women’s bodies. The Chariot’s rear-end zip curves hip to hip, providing enough room to pull those skivvies down and do your business, either in the backcountry or the bathroom.
The Trew Chariot is not insulated and uses its own proprietary three-layer PNW fabric. It competes with the best GORE-TEX for storm protection, but it breathes exceptionally well for sweaty backcountry efforts.
These bibs delivered excellent protection from the cold and wet recently while one of our editors worked for a half-hour to dig herself and her family out of 3 feet of powder at Wolf Creek Ski Area. While you will need a solid base layer under these bibs for winter outings, the fabric and carefully placed leg vents mean the Chariot will ride comfortably into spring conditions.
With no waistband to deal with, our testers could let it all hang out and find the wiggle room to get low on their snowboards for carving tighter turns. Plus, there were two perfectly accessible mini pockets in the chest. Having lip balm handy was a joy.
As a storage hound, our editor was pleasantly surprised to find two streamlined leg pockets, cleverly placed so as to not add girth, and an accessible Velcro compartment on top of one zippered pocket. (She used the zip one to secure her RFID season pass and the Velcro one for some quick cash, a goggle lens wiper, or flat snacks.)
The only drawback with this bib was strap slippage. A single front tab secures rubber-backed straps at the right length. We liked that feature and the minimalist look of the strapping system, but the grip wasn’t enough to secure the straps over time.
So the bibs did loosen up, eventually leading to a baggy look that we weren’t going for. That said, the Chariot Bib continues to be one of our favorite snowboard pieces.
The technical and sporty Rab Khroma Kinetic Waterproof Bib ($365) is a hard charger that’s perfect for an athletic skier or rider. The pants are breathable with durable 3-layer stretch woven nylon fabric. They boast a superb range of motion and waterproofing. Rab says these pants offer the protection of a hardshell with the comfort of a softshell, and they’re spot on.
Full chest coverage differentiates this bib from some lower-slung styles we reviewed. We like the large front access pocket for storing things like a phone, GPS, chapstick, or snacks within reach.
Extra features, like reinforced instep patches and lower hem, make these pants a top choice for ski tourers and mountaineers. The stretchy, breathable lower back helped keep us cool, even when carrying a heavy pack and motoring uphill in the backcountry. And everyone can get behind the generous drop seat to answer nature’s call.
These pants are ideal for a backcountry day, and also worked well in a resort at 30-degree temps with a warm wool baselayer. The Rab Khroma Kinetic Waterproof Bib is an ideal one-quiver pant
If you’ve got cash to spare and want a top-of-the-line backcountry bib and protection from the elements, look no further than the Arc’teryx Rush Bib ($650).
Bombproof GORE-TEX is the name of the game. Three layers and dense, strong 80-denier fabric stands up to wind, rain, and wet snow. Yet we had no problems with expending heat and having enough breathability on the skin track.
We can attest to the pants’ durability firsthand after skiing them on tight timbered slopes. Despite several brushes with branches — and at some points, clinging to trees while trying to extricate ourselves — the bibs stayed rip-free.
Two snaps on the back of the bib are designed to link into the powder skirt of some Arc’teryx jackets, creating a foolproof seal from powder slashes or unfriendly gusts. Below each pant leg, the gaiters have an insert on the backside that allows skiers to thread their ski boots’ bootstraps through an insert.
This unique design allows them to adjust their boots’ shin tightness without needing to pull the gaiter up over their buckles in deep snow or cold wind and temps. We didn’t find this to be super necessary, but it’s an interesting feature we haven’t seen in other pants and some skiers might like it if they rely on the bootstrap.
Some users note this model runs small, but when we sized up from our usual Arc’teryx snow pant size, these were a tad roomy. Taller women might find the suspenders to be too short (with the possibility of a wedgie). The suspenders were almost on their loosest placement to fit our 5 ‘6 tester comfortably. As with any outerwear, it’s always best if you can try these on beforehand or use the sizing charts while measuring yourself at home.
Patagonia dedicated several years of R&D to fine-tune a completely PFC-free apparel lineup for winter enthusiasts, which debuted in 2022/2023. The Powder Town collection includes these non-insulated bibs for ladies ($299), which we had an opportunity to test last winter while the brand dialed in the design. We can say, we give two thumbs up for this lightweight, smooth pant.
The pockets are unique with an interior kangaroo pouch and exterior chest pocket accessed by zipper. Two zippered hand pockets are on the thighs.
Around the waist are wide, sturdy belt loops if you need to attach any gear or pull on a belt. Robust scuff guards wrap around the interior lower leg and hems for protection, the cuffs are relatively wide, and integrated gaiters help block flurries. Up top, the bib’s elastic adjustable straps are easy to adjust.
For major ease, the drop seat is wide and functions seamlessly. There’s a double-zipper so you can use the drop-seat zip for ventilation, too, and a second ventilation port is on the exterior of the left leg. We also appreciate the interior microfleece panels inside the seat area for a bit more warmth on the ski lift. Brilliant!
Overall, the 2-layer waterproof/breathable and windproof fabric — which is free of chemical PFC treatment — feels and sounds soft. It also feels lightweight, and moisture beads well on the surface.
Made with 75-denier post-consumer recycled polyester, the Powder Town Bibs are fairly durable for ladies that lap the resort. But avid backcountry explorers, especially those traversing skin tracks through the trees or managing a sled, might opt for a more tenacious fabric.
These bibs are on the upper price tier, and while we have only been testing the Norrona Tamok GORE-TEX Pro Bib ($699) for a month, we’ve been avidly wearing Norrona mountain bike shorts for endurance bikepacking trips and long alpine rides. And they have yet to bite the dust. If that’s any measure of durability, we’re confident this build will live up to its impression.
The 200-denier recycled GORE-TEX PRO fabric feels supple and light when you pull on the bibs. The design is flattering and simple.
We give a big nod to the slightly wider lower leg, which allows a nice slide over our backcountry snowboard boots, especially those with a double BOA, without being noticeably spacious over ski boots.
They nailed the fit, which is key for boot adjustments on the fly. The lower legs are also reinforced with Vectran, a robust multifilament yarn, for protection against snags.
The two deep thigh pockets on the Tamok GORE-TEX Pro Bib are well-designed. The wide chest pocket is not very deep but features two interior small mesh pockets. There’s a fourth pocket with a snap closure that’s a tad awkward to open. The suspenders are not easy to adjust, so be sure to dial in the fit before you head out.
OK, these are pricey. But as you know by now, most Patagonia outerwear lives up to its sticker price. You could get a remarkable amount of seasons out of one pair of these performance PowSlayer bibs ($639).
And maybe that’s the point of Patagonia only making these in two tame colors — smolder blue and current blue. They’re a classic get’r done option.
The PowSlayer women’s bib is definitely a more generous cut than any other bib covered here. Yet, the cut goes below the chest, which some ladies prefer. But for primarily backcountry skiers or women with more athletic builds, these will be incredibly comfortable and functional.
That recycled outer textile is a respectable thing to pay for, too. These bibs also have a clever drop-seat configuration. And for extra protection, a yoke loop attaches to the powder skirt on a Patagonia jacket.
Somewhere between a bib and a high-waisted pant, this three-layer shell bib is made for backcountry touring. But, it works great for almost any winter pursuit. Get dressed quickly and have all the features you need for a full day in the backcountry.
We love the feel and the weight, which offers superb protection from wind, of the Odin Mountain Infinity Bib ($500), as well as its myriad of pockets. This bib has a D-ring clip for your beacon in the bib pocket and a lower thigh pocket as well. It also has a whole other thigh pocket and hip pocket for stashing everything else.
Made with Helly Hansen’s Lifa Infinity Pro fabric, this bib utilizes a hydrophobic face fabric to negate the need for any chemical DWR treatment to maintain its waterproofing. It’s a unique turn away from the status quo, and we are excited to see it expanding into the snowsports world.
Similar to the Patagonia PowSlayer, this bib is an investment. But, for the high price tag, you are getting a high-quality and highly durable shell. And it’s made more sustainably and is better for the environment.
This bib has a 20,000mm water column rating, double-zippered vents on the legs, and full-drop seat access. With a low-profile fit, this bib is great for those who might easily overheat. It’s also a great choice for snowshoeing (when you might not want full upper coverage).
We also love the Odin Bib’s unique upper softshell construction, which the brand claims was inspired by yoga pants for extra comfort. Whether you are tall, thin, curvy, or petite, these bibs will work. Reviewers loved that the fit is both flattering and accurate, although some found the suspenders to be finicky to adjust (we thought they were OK).
To top it all off, Helly Hansen added a RECCO reflector in case you or someone in your crew finds yourself in trouble.
Read more about the bibs in our full review.
Volcom dropped the mic with one of the easiest drop-seat designs we’ve seen yet. Volcom’s Elm Stretch GORE-TEX Bib ($390) doesn’t rely on side buttons or dual-side zippers, but rather a swooping flap that unzips across your backside. If you’ve ever been hesitant about the logistics of spending all day in a bib, this one will ease your fears.
Volcom’s Elm Stretch Gore is a two-layer fabric that is fully seam-sealed, with YKK AquaGuard waterproof zippers. Its higher-coverage design keeps all that powder out, and it’s made with GORE-TEX’s Stretch membrane for ultimate comfort.
The bib also has a mesh lining for breathability and a DWR coating for extra waterproofness. It features a RECCO reflector if you get lost and rescue teams need extra assistance to locate you.
We like Volcom’s addition of two chest pockets and two thigh pockets, as well as the roominess and flexibility provided by this bib’s fit. The camo colorway is a nice touch, not often found in ski apparel. While it didn’t win our overall vote, the Elm Stretch GORE-TEX Bib is a great choice for either resort or backcountry laps.
The Black Magic Bib by 686 ($270) is an online bestseller, and for good reason. It ticks all the basic boxes and does its job in the cold.
This bib has a two-layer fabric with a DWR coating and the brand’s infiDRY 10K waterproofing fabric construction. The knees and seat are insulated for extra warmth and topped off with a satin lining. The legs are vented with YKK zippers and a lining of mesh.
These bibs have a definite resort focus. Features include a lift ticket eyelet on the belt loop, critically taped seams, and a generously sized upper bib Velcro flap pocket.
While not quite performance-oriented, this bib is comfortable and comes with all the essentials (boot gaiters, adjustable straps, and side zip access). Among the pockets, there are two front-zippered hand pockets and two rear-leg pockets. It also has a pretty reasonable price at just $270.
If you don’t get out on the snow very often or if you ski mainly at resorts — and you like a slimmer, tailored fit — the Black Magic Bib might be the bib for you. Our only big con? It runs a little small and isn’t very breathable.
The GearJunkie team is made up of experienced and expert skiers and snowboarders that explore groomed terrain at ski areas as well as the backcountry byway of skis, splitboards, and snowmobiles. We explore runs in-bounds and hut-to-hut all over North America, including bell-to-bell resort powder days, ski-to-surf trips such as on Vancouver Island, backcountry hut adventures, skimo races, and cross-country laps on the nordic trails.
Women’s ski bibs are essential for staying comfortable and dry while in motion, riding the lift, maintaining the rig, shoveling, or taking a snack break. Over the years, we’ve tested many different ski bibs, and this list comprises the best of the best.
While testing women’s ski and snowboard bibs in the field, we assessed durability, overall fit, ease of movement, protection, fabric feel, breathability, ventilation, warmth, zipper quality, pocket placement and utility, drop seat integration, and functionality. We’ve tested ski bibs while carving turns in ice-cold temperatures, blizzards, blustery wind, intense sun, and even rain from far-out tours to parking lot tailgating.
In addition to our team’s experience, we considered the most innovative, novel, legacy, popular, and bestselling women’s ski bibs on the market. These bibs represent a broad range of price points and a variety of features and applications for a range of use.
Whether skiing or snowboarding, having a pair of comfortable, hardworking snow pants is essential. Here are a few tips for finding the best ladies’ ski and snowboard bibs.
For the uninitiated, the drop seat is super convenient in the backcountry setting as well as at the resort. You don’t need to take off your jacket in a stuffy stall in order to pull down your snow bibs to relieve yourself. Instead, you snug up your jacket a bit, pull the zipper around, and follow your normal routine.
Each drop seat design varies — it’s like the top-secret pasta sauce recipe for your favorite Italian restaurant.
For instance, the drop seat on the Airblaster Sassy Hot Bib is unique in that it wraps nearly entirely around. The zipper goes 350 degrees. A storm flap also covers the zipper, which adds style points.
Other drop seats reach super far down the leg for an even larger opening, which can be convenient for managing varying conditions in the backcountry, like the Ortovox women’s 3L Deep Shell Bib Pants.
Chances are, if you’re looking for a pair of snow bibs to wear for a specific winter sport such as backcountry skiing or splitboarding, alpine skiing, or snowboarding, they’ll each have slightly different design features, fit, and style that make those bibs more comfortable and functional for the day’s winter activity.
That being said, many ski bibs do work for other winter activities such as sledding, shoveling, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, winter hiking, dog walking, building snow caves, snowball fights, and pow surfing.
As you narrow down your top activity, consider the average temperature, conditions, and your personal body heat. Do the temperatures hover at 0 degrees or up towards 30 degrees, and is there often windchill? Do you expect dry or wet snow? Will you be consistently moving, or do you anticipate being sedentary such as on the ski lift or while watching the kids play in the snow outside? And do you generally tend to run hot or cold?
Depending on the activity and output, you’ll want either an insulated or uninsulated bib and ventilation as well as waterproofness (which varies from bib to bib). Each of those factors influences the price tag.
Chances are, if you’re looking for a pair of bibs to wear snowboarding or skiing, they will be much different from a snowshoeing pant. Take a minute to think about your winter activities.
Do you want to prioritize a stretchier fabric, or a beefier shell? Are you looking for something with more coverage? Do you frequent the backcountry or resorts? Lots of brands add venting to bibs (just like ski pants) so you can release some heat when boot-packing uphill.
For skiers versus snowboarders who use a slightly different range of motion on the mountain, some bibs may work better than others. One of the biggest factors is how the pant leg hem and gaiter fit. Some designs are streamlined and narrow to best fit over a ski boot neck. Other pant leg designs have a tad wider circumference or offer a zipper or snap closure to first widen and then pull the pant leg down over the snowboard or splitboard boot. Not all gaiter designs work well with snowboard or splitboard boots.
For snowboarders and splitboarders, we’d recommend considering our overall pick, the Flylow Foxy Bib, or our most durable pick, the Ortovox 3L Deep Shell Bib.
Do you prefer a relaxed or more athletic fit? This is mainly preference, but it’s important to note sizing sometimes differs depending on the pant’s fit.
If you want an unencumbered range of motion, go with a relaxed fit. And if you run cold and wear more or thicker layers, consider an insulated bib or going up a size.
For powder days or backcountry travel, it makes a lot of sense to invest in a GORE-TEX or similar fully waterproof fabric. Two-layer and three-layer fabrics have different weights, waterproofness, and breathability ratings.
Ask yourself whether the pant will work for what you want. The goal is to find a pant with a fabric that will complement your activity level on the mountain. In general, if you ski at both the resort and backcountry, we’d recommend prioritizing a bib with higher breathability (like those with a GORE-TEX membrane).
Other fabrics feature insulation, which we recommend if you generally run cold, tend to move more cautiously (and thus slowly), need to slow down to manage kiddos, teach others, or have long ski lift rides in ice-cold temps.
A waterproof bib is ideal for being outside in wet snow, rain, or drizzly weather. The top-tier standard for waterproofness is GORE-TEX, which is a membrane integrated into various bib designs. The material is waterproof, windproof, and breathable. Many brands likewise have a proprietary version of waterproof-breathable fabrics.
Waterproofness is measured by the amount of water that can be placed atop a fabric before it leaks. The rate of waterproof fabric varies from 5,000 to 20,000 mm or greater. The latter end of the spectrum leads to a less breathable fabric.
Many bibs are waterproof or offer a degree of water resistance, the latter of which works fine in dryer winter climates and where the snow water equivalent (read: the amount of liquid water in the snow) is lower.
There are four general snow climates: coastal, transitional, intermountain, and continental.
Generally, the closer you are to the coast, the more precipitation you’ll experience and the water content will be higher in the snow: it’ll be wetter and heavier! In contrast, the snow in continental climates is dryer, lighter, and accumulates less compared to the coast. That includes most of the Rocky Mountains, such as in Colorado. Intermountain regions and ranges show characteristics of both and transitional areas are similar to the coast but with less rain and snow.
Examples according to the Utah Avalanche Center:
Factors that change the waterproofness or water resistance of a ski bib include the face fabric treatment, which can be eco-friendly formulas or chemicals that are toxic to the environment. Bibs can also have sealed seams to block moisture or waterproof zippers. Generally, the more water-resistant or waterproof a product is the pricier it will be.
Every pant has different features but one must-have for ski bibs is useful pockets. Ladies, you know what we’re talking about. That inch-wide chapstick pocket just doesn’t cut it.
Wide and long thigh pockets are especially great if you don’t like pocket items (like a cell phone or beacon) bunching up near your hips.
Various pockets with a range of sizes are usually situated on the upper half of the bib. Some bibs also have two zippered hand pockets in the front or even two pockets on the backside.
We highly recommend picking out ski and snowboard bibs with ventilation, which will be placed alongside each leg on the exterior or interior. The zippers will be one-way or two-way. Very few zippers are fully waterproof but some brands do invest in that upgrade.
Inside the zipper, you sometimes have a mesh liner for protection against sun or snow flurries while other brands opt for no mesh. Overall, the length of a zipper for leg ventilation will vary.
We also recommend that the ski or snowboard bibs you choose have internal gaiters that secure well over boots (gaiters with boot adjustment access are a plus).
Some cuffs are narrower than others and fit better over ski boots compared to snowboard boots. Other cuffs are designed for better customization with either side zippers or snaps, which allow you to widen the circumference when you pull the pant leg down over your boots. We prefer that for snowboard and splitboard boots, especially if there is a BOA system to pull the pant leg down over.
For extra durability, especially for backcountry users, certain cuffs are reinforced with tough materials like Kevlar to help prevent the material from shredding over time or getting cut up by the ski edge or crampons while ascending a peak.
RECCO is a safety system used by ski teams and rescue professionals to help find people who are misplaced, whether that’s being lost in the woods, held up due to injury or a health ailment, broken gear, or potentially trapped under snow due to an avalanche. It’s great safety addition to have in an emergency.
The first part of the system is a reflector that is placed in outerwear apparel and gear to help locate the wearer. A RECCO reflector doesn’t transmit any signals or need any batteries. The other side of the equation is the RECCO detector, which transmits an active signal, with a range of up to 120 m through the air and 10 to 20 m through the snow.
Note that a RECCO reflector does not replace an avalanche transceiver, also known as an avalanche beacon. If you plan to go into the sidecountry such as out the boundary gate at your local ski area, or into the backcountry, be sure to wear and know how to use your avalanche transceiver. Likewise, be sure that your ski partners wear and know how to use their avalanche transceivers.
Depending on how often you hit the slopes, price is a factor. If you’re still starting out in a snowsport or only make it to the mountain a couple of times a year, consider a more budget-friendly bib.
As you gain experience, you can always invest in a higher-quality bib that will ultimately perform better and last longer on the mountain season after season.
If you mostly backcountry ski or splitboard, your bibs will likely experience more abrasion due to wearing a loaded pack with a hip belt, transitioning with the equipment, being exposed to the elements without shelter, or operating a snowmobile (and trailer) for access.
In that case, we recommend investing in a bib that is more durable (and often pricier) like the Ortovox 3L Deep Shell Bib Pants ($650), which will help protect you and keep you comfortable in the backcountry.
Bibs are great at one thing pants just can’t do — keeping snow, moisture, and cold wind out from your waist up. With better protection and greater adjustability than ski pants, bibs are an excellent investment for those who ski or snowboard in a wide variety of conditions.
They’re also great for those looking for more coverage or more features such as larger or more pockets. (Bibs usually have more pockets!)
A ski bib should be not too restrictive, leaving room for movement in your hips and legs. However, you should also make sure the ski bib you pick is the right size and fit for your height and easily adjusts up top.
The best bibs will also have a good stretch in the waist/chest area. All the bibs we’ve reviewed here fit well and offer good adjustability in the suspenders/straps.
Regular, non-insulated ski bibs are a protective, waterproofed fabric. Insulated ski bibs are the same, but with insulation added for warmth. The insulation is usually a synthetic fiber like PrimaLoft insulation, which is the standard in many ski bibs. Though sometimes the insulation is a natural fiber such as wool, which is also breathable and integrated in the Ortovox 3L Deep Shell Bib Pants.
Do you need pants with insulation and how much? The answer all depends on what type of skiing you are doing and where. How cold is it on an average day? Will you be traveling uphill, shoveling a bunch of snow, or taking the ski lift at resorts? In other words, do you expect to be frequently sedentary? In which case, your body temperature may drop, such as on the ski lift or while getting the kids booted up in the parking lot.
You may want to buy a cold-weather-specific insulated pant for those really frigid days on the mountain and a non-insulated shell pant for warmer days. Especially if you tend to run cold, consider insulated options.
Let’s face it — you may not think about bib insulation while making turns on your favorite run. But when faced with -10-degree windchill on a chairlift, suddenly you’ll be wishing for some extra warmth on your bottom half.
RECCO is an avalanche safety system used by ski teams and rescue professionals to help find people who are misplaced. They could be lost in the woods, delayed due to broken gear, experiencing an injury, or trapped beneath snow due to an avalanche. It’s a great additional safety tool to have in an emergency.
The first part of the system is a reflector that is placed into outerwear apparel or gear to help a skier or rider be detected. A RECCO reflector doesn’t transmit any signals or need any batteries. A RECCO detector transmits an active signal, with a range of up to 120 m through the air and 10-20 m through the snow.
Note that a RECCO reflector does not replace an avalanche transceiver, also known as an avalanche beacon. If you plan to go into the sidecountry such as out the boundary gate at your local ski area, or into the backcountry, be sure to wear and know how to use your avalanche transceiver. Likewise, be sure your ski partners wear and know how to use their avalanche transceivers.
Just like wearing a ski jacket and snow pants, you’ll want to pull on base layers underneath a bib. If it’s colder weather, you might pull on a light fleece jacket over your base layer top and beneath the bib. If it’s super cold out, you may even want to add on a light, streamlined puffy.
We recommend trying on a bib with your most-used layers before purchasing if possible.
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